Chapter 4: Safe from Darkness

Amon stood up as the three council members walked into the room and stood there. Amon waited for the verdict on his 10 year review, he knew he would not be hunted because he was not awaken.

" Amon, you have seen many years at the STN-J and have led hunts, but Solomon does not believe your ready to achieve an agents position," the chief council said

" I understand," Amon said

" But we ask for you to remain with us at the STN-J and continue your work there," the second said

Amon nodded and he was escorted back to his hotel to collect his things. He was a head of schedule and his train didn't leave for another hour. So, he asked his escorts to drop him off somewhere so that he could get a bite to eat. They granted him that much and he got something then was taken to the train station. He knew Karasuma could not be at the train station upon his return finding that they were after her. He waited with patience for his train to come in. He looked at his suit case and found the note Karasuma had written to him on the first day. The smell of her perfume remained on it, Amon smiled a little hoping she would be alright until he got home. The train arrived and Amon loaded it and sat in about the same place of where he was before.

Karasuma ducked down in Doujima's car as they past her apartment. Black coats remained there and Doujima drove on.

" Miho, I think you better lay low at the STN-J," Doujima said, " They'll raid my apartment next."

" Alright," Karasuma said

Doujima looked ahead and saw Sakaki turn into the garage. She followed him in and let Karasuma out.

" Sakaki, I'm going to pick up Amon from the station, as soon as you get my call get Miho out of the STN-J," Doujima said

" Right," Sakaki said

Karasuma grabbed her things and Doujima looked at Karasuma.

" Don't worry Miho, everything will be ok," Doujima said

" Thank you Yurika," Karasuma said

She walked with Sakaki up and Doujima pulled out and took off to the train station. Doujima made a few phone calls to divert the black coats' attention on something while Karasuma used that time to escape.

Karasuma worked a little and Sakaki and Michael cleaned out files and any evidence that Karasuma was there.

" Karasuma," Robin said

" Yes," Karasuma answered

" Are you scared," Robin asked

Karasuma looked at Robin said, " More than you can imagine. I feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin. I'm afraid that, that day will repeat itself. I'm like a scared rabbit cornered by a predator because they're hungry."

" We're here for you," Robin said, " It's strange to think that this is just like last time."

" I won't let it be like last time," Karasuma said

As Karasuma and Robin talked there was something else happening. Two black coats had already found their way into the STN-J without the alarms. They were well trained and prepared to go beyond what it took to capture their targets. They dulled the sensors on the security system so they could go up the back way. As they penetrated the first set of stairs they set up explosives that gave shocks to scare out their prey. Michael finished and handed Sakaki everything, Sakaki then placed the stuff in a box, he slipped into Karasuma's bag and brought it to her. Karasuma looked at him and Sakaki opened his wallet and presented her with some money.

" If Solomon's after you, you only want to use cash, no checks," Sakaki said, " Ms. Doujima has already written down her account number if you need money. Don't use your cell."

Sakaki took her cell phone and Sakaki gave her his.

" Don't worry about anything," Sakaki said, " We no longer know who you are."

" Thank you," Karasuma said

She hugged Sakaki and Sakaki hugged her back. Robin smiled and Karasuma turned and Robin presented her with something.

" We'll be here if you need us," Robin said

Karasuma hugged Robin and then lifted her bag as she waited for Doujima to call. The phone rang and Sakaki picked it up.

" Haruto, Sakaki," he answered

" Alright Sakaki, Amon's with me bring Karasuma," Doujima said

Right as Sakaki was about tell her alright something exploded and Karasuma looked up.

" What the?" Michael questioned

The alarm system didn't go off and Michael pulled up the cameras. He looked and didn't see anything, then realized that someone did a freeze frame, so it looked the same. He did an over ride and saw men coming up from both sides.

" They're close, and they're surrounding the office," Michaels said

The power cut off and Michael lost his connections. Karasuma and Sakaki headed towards the back, but heard more explosions.

" Get her out of here," Michael shouted

" Where?" Sakaki asked

" The air vents," Robin said

" There's one up in the Chief's office take those stairs," Michael said

Sakaki nodded and took the stairway just inside the office and went to the top office. Sakaki quickly undid the air vents with a pocket knife and looked at Karasuma. Karasuma tossed her bag up there and a sudden explosion turned their attention to the office. Men busted in with large guns and Karasuma breathed deep as Robin forced them back with her fire. Sakaki grabbed Karasuma's arm and she looked at him.

" Go!" Sakaki shouted

Karasuma climbed up on the desk and climbed up and looked at Sakaki. Sakaki nodded and closed the air vent and she looked at him through there.

" Go Karasuma! You have too," Sakaki said

" Sakaki!" Karasuma cried

The door opened and Sakaki pulled the orbo gun and fired shots at him, they fired at him and he was thrown back toward the glass.

" Sakaki," she thought

They looked at around for her and she breathed deep. She watched as they looked out the window.

" She's still here find her," they said

Sakaki opened his eyes and looked at the one man that stood there and held his gun.

" They won't find her," Sakaki thought

He fired a shot at the guy in the neck and got up. He looked at Sakaki and fell to his knees. The orbo effected him and the man fell unconscious, and Sakaki looked up.

Karasuma had managed to crawl towards the east side of the building. She continued until she heard voices. Karasuma breathed deep and watched the men search around for her. Karasuma quietly continued and finally found the roof vent. She climbed up it and pushed through it. She got on the roof and ran towards the fire escape, on the side of the building. She climbed down and took off towards Harry's and made it there. No, one had seen her once she got there. She came in and Harry looked at her seeing there was fear in her face.

" Harry, can you please contact this person," Karasuma said

Harry nodded and took her to the back where the kitchen was. He called the number and Karasuma sat there. He handed her a glass of water and looked at her.

" What happened?" he asked

" I'm being hunted," Karasuma whispered, " Just like a witch."

" Mr. Nagira is on his way," Harry said

" Nagira?" Karasuma said, " That's Amon's older brother."

" And perhaps there is a reason he wanted you to contact him," Harry said

Amon looked at his watch and Doujima sat down.

" Something happened," Amon said

" Nothing happened," Doujima said, " They're on their way."

Amon looked out the window and breathed deep.

" Come one Miho," he said

Suddenly his phone rang and he looked at the number, then picked it up.

" Amon," he answered

" Amon, it's me Karasuma, Sakaki gave me his phone so they wouldn't track me down," Karasuma said

" Where are you?" he asked

" At Harry's," Karasuma said

" Is my brother on his way?" Amon asked

" Yes, he's been contacted," Karasuma answered

Amon breathed a little easier and said, " Good, go with him I'll meet you there."

" Alright," Karasuma said

He hung up and looked at Doujima and Doujima nodded and handed him her keys.

" Good luck," Doujima said

Doujima handed him money in cash and a couple of checks, that would take money out of her account. Amon slipped his black coat on and walked downstairs where he tossed his bag into the back. He took off toward Nagira's office, knowing he would take Karasuma there.

Nagira pulled up and walked inside and Harry looked up. Nagira walked over to the bar and sat down.

" I'm looking for a Miho Karasuma, I was told I could find her here," Nagira said, " I'm Nagira."

" Come this way," Harry said

Nagira made sure he wasn't followed and walked to the back. Harry led him to the kitchen and Karasuma stood up.

" Miho?" he questioned

" Yes," she replied

" Good, you weren't so hard to find," Nagira said, " I'm Amon's brother."

" Nagira," Karasuma said

" The one and only. Come with me," he said

Karasuma grabbed her bag and they took the back way and got to his car. She got in and Nagira looked and saw black coats.

" I guess they're the ones after you," he said

Karasuma nodded and got low and out of sighed. He took off and made sure that they were out of there in 60 seconds. About 10 minuets later Nagira pulled up to the office and saw a red car. Both got out and Nagira hurried Karasuma in as he got her back. They climbed the stairs and got in and Hana looked over her shoulder.

" Sir your brother's here," she said

" Yeah, I noticed," Nagira said, " Where is the shadow man?"

" at the apartment," Hana said

" Alright," Nagira said, " Hey Miho, why don't you just take a right you can't miss the door. I'll take care of everything."

Karasuma nodded and walked out and then saw the door and opened it. She walked in and looked around seeing it had everything but a kitchen.

" You made it," Amon's voice said

She looked up and smiled seeing Amon standing up where the bed was. He climbed down and then walked to her and embraced her. She buried her face into his chest and wrapped her arms around him.

" It's alright," Amon said, " I'm going to protect you."

" Amon, I can't ask you to protect me and put your life at stake," she said

" I will protect you," he said

He kissed her passionately and then gently stroked her cheek with his thumb.

" We're going to go as far away as we can from this place. Change our names, get married and you won't have to worry," Amon said

" Amon," Karasuma said in a surprised manner

" have a couple of kids," Amon whispered

" White house with a picket fence with a dog," Karasuma said

Amon smiled and said, " If you want, that's what we'll get."

Karasuma laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around him. He leaned his head against hers and rubbed her back.

" I love you Amon," she whispered

That night Karasuma and Amon stayed in the apartment at Nagira's office. Amon laid awake and looked at Karasuma. She slept close to him as he embraced her in his hold. He gently rubbed her bare back and looked at her form wrapped up in the sheets.

" I'll protect you," Amon said

Amon closed his eyes and fell asleep staring at the stars and at Karasuma. Karasuma snuggled close to him and opened her eyes a little to see him. She then closed her eyes with a soft look.

" How will our life be different?" she thought

The next morning Amon woke up and saw Karasuma sitting up. The sheets were wrapped around her, fending off the cold. Amon sat up and placed a hand on her shoulder and Karasuma placed her hand on his.

" What are you thinking about?" he whispered

Karasuma looked at the wall and then turned and looked at him. She smiled and placed her hand on his face.

" I'm just thinking how wonderful it will be to spend the rest of my life with you," Karasuma said

" As soon as this is all over with we'll get married…I promise," he said

Once the afternoon hours came Karasuma and Amon came out the apartment. Nagira was talking to some clients so they walked to the kitchen to get something to eat. Hana had bought some food for the couple and made lunches. So, they ate what she made for them and had tea with lunch. Amon laid out plans for what would happen in the next day or so. Nagira walked in the back and looked at them, then shook his head.

" Can I ask you two something?" Nagira asked

Amon and Karasuma nodded and said, " Yes of course."

" Do you two love each other enough to get married?" Nagira asked

Karasuma and Amon looked at one another and then back at Nagira.

" Yes," both replied

" Then get married today," Nagira said, " I've an appointment with a client and he happens to be a judge. Just say the word and you can get married."

Amon looked at Karasuma and took her hand.

" It's up to you," Amon said, " What ever you chose I'm going to remain at your side regardless."

" Let's get married, I don't want to regret not getting married when we should have," Karasuma said

" Alright, I'll give him a call," Nagira said

He walked off and Karasuma leaned her head on Amon's shoulder. He put his arm around her and kissed her head.

" This will be step one of our plans," Amon said, " Are you sure you want to marry me?"

" Of course I do," Karasuma said

Amon nodded and kissed her head. She looked at him as he held her. Amon was worried about her well being and happiness since that day he came to Kyoto.

Just as Nagira had said the judge came for his appointment and Nagira showed the judge in. Karasuma dressed a little nicer as well as Amon, both walked out and the judge stood up.

" Come here Hana your going to witness this," Nagira said

" Of course sir," she said

She walked over and Nagira handed her a ring and the judge proceeded. Amon and Karasuma stood there with locked eyes, never leaving each other's stare. When the vows came Amon went first and slipped the ring on her finger. Karasuma looked at him and slid the ring on his finger as she recited the vows.

" By the power in vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife….you may kiss the bride," he said

The judge had then sign the license and had Nagira and Hana sign it as witnesses. Nagira looked at Karasuma and Amon.

" Congratulations you two," Nagira said, " before the two of you get busy tonight I wish to talk to my brother."

Karasuma nodded and kissed Amon and then walked to the apartment. Amon and Nagira sat down.

" The judge here is on our side, he can get you two as far as the northeast island of Hokkaido. From there it's up to you," Nagira said

" We appreciate it judge," Amon said

" I've been against Solomon from the start, especially if they're after a young couple," the judge said, " So, I hope this will help."

" It does," Amon said

Judge sighed and said, " Sooner or later we'll get a hold of them."

Amon nodded and Nagira and the judge explained to Amon what they would do. They would escape at night and arrive early the next day. A boat would be waiting for them, there they would travel to Sapporo. From there they could decide where they wanted to go. Amon agreed and headed to the apartment and told Karasuma, she was glad that they could make allies with authority. Amon embraced Karasuma and she laid her head on his chest.

" I never thought this would happened and now that it has I don't know what is going on in my head," Karasuma whispered

" I'll be your guidance don't think," Amon said

Karasuma looked at him and nodded and Amon kissed her.

" Tonight we're going to leave, so gather what you have and we'll leave with the judge tonight," Amon said

Karasuma nodded and gathered her things. Amon opened a case with orbo bullets and loaded his gun, Karasuma stood there and waited for him as he finished. They walked out and the judge led them to his car. Both got into his car and the judge looked at Nagira.

" I'll make a call to let you know they're ok," the judge said

" Don't worry you two everything will work out just fine, have happy life," Nagira said

" Thank you Nagira," Karasuma said

Nagira nodded and Amon gave a nod, and they were off. Karasuma leaned her head down on Amon's shoulder. He kissed her head and looked out hoping this plan would work.

" Why is Solomon after you two?" the judge asked

" Because she wanted to leave the STN-J and I wanted to protect her," Amon said

" It seems Solomon wants more than their people to stay with them," the judge said, " Don't worry sooner or later there won't be a Solomon to hunt anyone."

Amon leaned his head against Karasuma's and fell asleep with her. The judge drove through Tokyo and head to the northeast.